Welcome to Grade 7 ELA
Strathcona Tweedsmuir School
Grade Seven Language Arts Course Outline
2009-2010
Mr. Petersen

Course Overview:

Throughout the year students will be involved in activities that incorporate the six elements of English: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing and visually representing. Students will read a variety of materials as a class, in small groups and individually. They will be exposed to a wide variety of genres and print materials. Writing will focus on both the conventions and mechanics of polished work, as well as incorporating the student’s individual creativity and style. Students will participate in a vocabulary program that develops the use of language and spelling throughout the year.

Course Content:

  1. Grammar Unit
  2. Vocabulary Unit
  3. Novel Studies
  4. Short Story Unit
  5. Poetry Unit
  6. Writing Units
  7. Shakespeare Unit
  8. Speech and Debate Unit

Evaluation:

Major Assignments and Tests 50%
Daily Work and Quizzes 30%
Vocabulary/Grammar 10%
Speech and Debate 10%
100%

Final Exam 10%

Reporting periods are cumulative.

Resources:

  1. Grammar – Write Source 2000: Skillsbook
  2. Vocabulary – Words Are Important: Introductory Book
  3. Anthologies: Crossroads, Mystery, Heroes, Poetry
  4. Novels - The Outsiders, The Pearl, Golden Compass.
  5. Shakespeare: Twelfth Night


*As time and student interest allow, literary works of study may be added or deleted.



Required Materials:

· USB Memory Stick highly recommended
· 1 three-ring binder (1 ½”- 2” recommended)
· 6 dividers
· lined paper, blank white paper
· blue or black pen
· pencils and erasers
· ruler
· highlighter


Expectations:

  1. Students are expected to arrive on time with all assignments prepared and all relevant materials.
  2. Assignments must be handed in on the day they are due. It is the student’s responsibility to come to class with a hard copy of your work. Do not expect to be dismissed from class to print out an assignment on its due date. Late assignments will be dealt with on an individual basis and work not handed in will result in a phone call home with the assignment still being submitted.
  3. If students are away from the school, it is up to them to find out about work missed and have it completed.
  4. Students are responsible for reading 4-6 novels independently. There will be time given for independent reading on a regular basis.
  5. Plagiarism is very serious! Students are to ensure that all work is their own or that it is cited correctly when sources are used (see Student Handbook under academic integrity).
  6. Always respect others.

Speech Day

Speech Day is one of the oldest traditions at STS. On the last Wednesday before school is adjourned for Spring Break, the Junior and Senior High staff and students have the opportunity to watch students compete against each other in a number of specific categories including Impromptu speaking and Acting.

Just a reminder to students that all material used must be original and prepared specifically for Speech Day. Material used at a previous event, whether in the school or at an outside competition, is not permitted.

The STS community has always produced some of the best student speakers in the country and we are all looking forward to another outstanding display of your talents.


English Department Contests

There are a number of literary contests throughout the school year for students to compete in. The STS English Department in conjunction with various long-time sponsors from the STS community hosts two competitions for Junior High students to enjoy.

I. The Christy Worsley Short Story Creative Writing Contest for Junior High.
Due Date: November 12, 2009

II. The Christy Worsley Poetry Writing Contest for Junior High.
Due Date: April 30, 2010

More information regarding these contests will be provided within English classes.